UK POLICE AMONG BEST EMPLOYERS FOR LGBT PEOPLE

A number of police forces are among the best employers in an index of the top 100 employers for gays and lesbians in Britain.

The 2008 Workplace Equality Index, published annually by LGBT rights organisation Stonewall, was released this week.

The leading employer in Britain is Nacro, a charity that aims to reduce crime, followed by the Greater London Authority (GLA). The Hampshire and Staffordshire police forces came in third place.

The Lothian and Borders Police came eleventh in the overall index, but were the leading employer in Scotland.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said that, “I’m proud that the GLA is now rated amongst the most gay-friendly organisations in the country. I’d urge public and private sector employers alike to participate in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index and use it to develop best practice in their own organisations.”

The top 100 employers were ranked according to criteria ranging from implementation of effective equality policies to practical demonstration of good practice in recruitment and mentoring and how they engage with lesbian and gay staff, customers and service users.

“Many of the 1.7 million lesbian and gay people in the UK workforce now use the Index to see how their employer compares with others. We’re delighted to help them in their choice of workplace,” said Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive.